1, Basic definition and structural composition
1.1 Overview of AC 90 Cable
AC 90 (Armored Cable 90 ° C) is an aluminum armored cable with a paper or polymer insulation layer between its conductors. It does not include an additional ground wire, but is part of the ground wire loop through the cable's armor layer. It is commonly used in indoor dry environments or protected areas.
1.2 Overview of MC Cable
MC (Metal Cad) cable is a type of multi conductor cable with a metal sheath, usually including an insulated grounding wire, which has a more complete structure and is suitable for more complex and exposed environments. mc metal clad cable are widely used in industrial, commercial, and residential building systems, and can be used in dry, humid, and even corrosive gas environments.
2, Comparison Table of AC 90 Cable and mc metal clad cable
| Compare Ttem | AC90 cable | MC cable |
| full name | Armoured Cable 90°C | Metal-Clad Cable |
| Armor type | Interlocked Aluminum Armour | Aluminum or Steel Armor |
| Conductor structure | Copper conductor or aluminum conductor | Copper conductor or aluminum conductor |
| Grounding wire configuration | Usually there is no independent grounding wire, relying on armor as the grounding wire | Including independent insulated grounding wire |
| operation temperature |
Maximum 90 ° C | Up to 90 ° C (there are also 105 ° C high-temperature models available) |
| Installation environment | Dry and protected areas (such as inside suspended ceilings) | Dry, humid, and exposed areas (such as floors and walls) |
| Resistance to mechanical shock | stronger | More stronger, suitable for exposure and industrial applications |
| Corrosion resistance capability | weak | Optional models with anti-corrosion outer protective layer |
| Installation flexibility | good | Better, more adaptable |
| Standards | CSA C22.2 No. 51 | CSA C22.2 No. 51,No. 230,UL 1569 |
| Ground continuity testing requirements | Stricter (Armor Grounding Requirements) | Independent grounding wire is easy to detect and maintain |
| Typical application scenarios | Indoor wiring and suspended ceilings in commercial buildings | Industrial facilities, residential power supply, equipment connection |
3, Structural composition analysis of AC90 wire and MC wire
3.1 AC 90 Wire Structure
Conductor: usually a soft copper or aluminum conductor;
Insulation layer: thermoplastic PVC or XLPE material; Like T90 wire, RW90 wire
Isolation layer: polyester tape or paper layer;
Armor layer: aluminum interlocking strip armor;
No independent grounding wire: The armor layer also serves as a grounding path.
3.2 mc electrical wire Structure
Conductor: Copper or Aluminum;
Insulation layer: thermosetting or thermoplastic insulation, such as THHN wire, XHHW wire;
Filling layer: used for structural stability;
Armor layer: aluminum or steel interlocking tape;
Ground wire: At least one green or green/yellow insulated grounding conductor.
4, Comparison of Technical Performance between AC90 Wire and MC Wire
4.1 Electrical Performance
MC cable is superior to AC 90 wire in terms of grounding continuity and electrical safety due to its independent grounding wire. Especially in large-scale industrial electricity scenarios, it can better meet the higher electrical safety level requirements.
4.2 Thermal performance
The two are roughly the same in rated temperature (90 ° C), but MC cables can choose high temperature resistant 105 ° C models according to different insulation materials, which are suitable for higher heat load areas.
4.3 Mechanical Properties
mc electrical wire are equipped with metal armor, which has strong impact resistance and is suitable for environments that require exposed wiring or may be affected by external forces. AC 90 cables are more suitable for environments with lower mechanical protection requirements, such as pipelines and ceilings.
5, Installation method and standard specifications
5.1 Installation method
AC 90 cable: commonly used for indoor exposed installation and installation in suspended ceilings, special attention should be paid to the continuity and reliability of the grounding connection.
MC cable: suitable for various laying methods, including exposed laying, buried laying, threading inside pipes, and use on building exterior walls, with strong flexibility.
5.2 Execution Standards
AC 90 wire: compliant with Canadian standard CSA C22.2 No. 51;
MC wire: Complies with UL 1569, CSA C22.2 No. 230, and also complies with NEC (National Electrical Code) regulations for installation in Class I and II areas.
6, The usage environment and typical applications of AC 90 cable and MC cable
| application environment | Recommended cable type | Reason Description |
| Suspended ceiling, dry area | AC 90 cable | Low cost, simple structure, and easy installation |
| Industrial manufacturing workshop | MC cable | Ground wire independent, safe and reliable, corrosion-resistant |
| Medical/School/Laboratory | MC cable | Requires high grounding safety and flexible wiring |
| Temporary power wiring | MC cable | Reusable and highly resistant to mechanical damage |
| Indoor wiring in apartments or commercial areas | AC 90 cable | Reasonable cost control to meet basic safety needs |
| Damp or chemical environment | MC cable | (Anti corrosion model) The sheath is resistant to chemical corrosion and suitable for damp and corrosive areas |
7, Advantages and disadvantages of AC90 wire and mc metal clad cable
Advantages and disadvantages of AC 90 cable
advantage:
Low cost;
The armor layer provides certain mechanical protection;
Easy installation;
Suitable for dry environments in most commercial buildings.
Disadvantages:
No independent grounding wire, grounding performance depends on armor connection;
Not suitable for humid or exposed environments;
Grounding continuity testing is complex.
Advantages and disadvantages of MC cable
advantage:
Contains independent grounding conductors, high safety;
Flexible installation and strong environmental adaptability;
Strong resistance to corrosion and mechanical impact;
Compliant with multiple electrical and building codes.
Disadvantages:
High cost;
The weight is relatively large, and a larger supporting structure is required for wiring.
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